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Texans can take away one vital lesson from Eagles Super Bowl win

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As the confetti fell on Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts Sunday evening in New Orleans, most fans around the NFL focused on the Philadelphia Eagles dynamic duo and their path toward a Super Bowl victory.

Sure, Hurts, a native of Houston and Super Bowl LIX MVP, was the x-factor in securing a 40-22 victory thanks to his three total touchdown drives.

Barkley, who crossed enemy lines after six seasons with the New York Giants, was the backbone of the offense throughout the regular season and playoff run.

But those who truly understand the game realize that Philly can claim its title for one specific reason.

Offensive line play. The Eagles flew, and the Kansas City Chiefs blew, allowing a season-high six sacks on Patrick Mahomes in front of millions of fans globally.

That’s why upgrading the trenches isn’t a welcomed idea for the Houston Texans this offseason. It’s a priority if the two-time reigning AFC South champions plan on getting past the second Saturday of the postseason.

While Kansas City had one side of the equation — a stout defensive line — Philly had both. The Eagles also had depth to disrupt an injured Kansas City front five and pressure Mahomes to make untimely throws while running behind the line of scrimmage.

A combination of Jalen Carter, Milton Williams, Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat, recorded more than six sacks. They also totaled 24 pressures, 15 quarterback hits and eight tackles for losses as Kansas City went from being one of the league’s more explosive offenses to a docile shell of itself.

Mahomes couldn’t make the magic happen, thus leading to a 24-0 deficit at halftime. Even after hauling two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to make the score seem respectful, the game was already out of reach.

Funny how lightning never strikes in the same place twice. Outlooks, however, duplicate. That was the same strategy used by Kansas City against Houston in the divisional round to help the No. 1 seed advance to a seventh straight conference title.

C.J. Stroud was sacked eight times instead of six. Instead of 24 pressures, Kansas City collected 21. And while Houston found some success on the ground, the Chiefs still finished with nine tackles behind the line.

It’s impossible to expect the quarterback to carry a team alone. Even the best like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Mahomes need a safety plan or a Plan B.

One can’t get a second chance when the first ends with grass on the jersey and frustration from the fans at the offensive line. Mahomes got a taste of what Stroud endured all season while securing a second division title and second postseason victory.

Yes, the Texans need wide receiver help. A Stefon Diggs reunion shouldn’t be off the table, but neither should drafting his replacement in the second or third round.

Yes, Houston should address the defensive line and secondary. Tim Settle is a free agent next offseason and Dencio Autry could be a cap casualty cut, meaning defensive tackle has moved up the priority list.

Even with Jimmie Ward back in 2025, he’s ended the last two years on the injured reserve, so trusting him to last a full 17-game stretch is like trusting a rubberband to hold your weight over a pit of hungry alligators.

Houston’s first — and right now only —  priority must be to ensure that their O-line can protect its most important asset. Stroud offers little if he can’t have time to throw.

There are options in Round 1 like Alabama’s Tyler Booker or Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson. In a trade-down scenario, Houston could pivot toward a name like Georgia’s Tate Ratledge or Dylan Fairchild.

DeMeco Ryans knows the only way to win is by shoring up the trenches. He said the team plans to address both areas before training camp rolls around in August.

If he doesn’t, teams will feast. Houston will fall.

Don’t believe it? Ask Kansas City.